Scores of Bulgarians took to the streets of the capital Sofia on Friday, the 176th anniversary of the birth of the country’s national hero, Vasil Levski.

For over a month daily rallies have been held to call for the resignation of the new government protesters accuse of being riddled with corruption.
“It’s just unique, not only do I have the feeling I live in a police state but in a state which has absolutely nothing to do with its people,” said one man taking part in the latest demonstrations.

“We are sitting here because Sofia must be blocked. Let’s all go onto the streets today because Sofia must be blocked. Today is the day of Levski. Today is the day of change,” said another.

The protester’s numbers were expected to grow during the evening, as organisers had called for a show of strength to celebrate the national day. The daily political protests have also been at their best-attended in the evenings.

Five years of EU membership have seen Bulgaria remain rooted at the bottom of the EU’s wealth table, and the people are increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress.